Answered5 months ago
Can I convert my Non-O marriage visa to a Non-B work visa without exiting Thailand?
i'm currently holding a non-O marriage visa stamp, but i got a job and i'm holding a work permit, work ID, etc. i'd prefer to convert my current visa to non-B, but my employer said i have to exit to Laos and apply for non-B again. on their website it says they'll do extensive background checks for Iranians, up to 4 weeks. does this apply to me while i'm already holding a work permit and work ID, and BOI is all done? (It's confusing because it says 3-4 working days)
i contacted 2 emails of the Lao Thailand embassy, both returned automated messages. is there a way i can contact them directly to confirm this? if for whatever reason they decide to send me back to Iran to apply for non-B, i don't have a return flight from Laos to Iran.
my non-O expires on 30 july. is there a way to do this inside Thailand instead of exiting? everyone suggests to exit.
I want to go out of Thailand around 24 July and wait it out until Non-O expires and send the documents for Non-B?!
What's the best way to confirm this?
Thanks!
i contacted 2 emails of the Lao Thailand embassy, both returned automated messages. is there a way i can contact them directly to confirm this? if for whatever reason they decide to send me back to Iran to apply for non-B, i don't have a return flight from Laos to Iran.
my non-O expires on 30 july. is there a way to do this inside Thailand instead of exiting? everyone suggests to exit.
I want to go out of Thailand around 24 July and wait it out until Non-O expires and send the documents for Non-B?!
What's the best way to confirm this?
Thanks!
Answer summary
The user is currently on a Non-O marriage visa and wishes to convert to a Non-B work visa due to employment. The employer advised them that they must exit to a neighboring country, such as Laos, to apply anew for the Non-B visa. There are concerns about extended background checks for Iranian passport holders and the process required to change visa types within Thailand. Responses from the community suggest that it may be possible to convert to a Non-B visa within Thailand without exiting, particularly if the employer is a BOI registered company. The user is trying to find a way to proceed with the conversion while managing their current visa's expiration.
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Gian *******
You have to contact the BOI office, not the normal immigration or consulates abroad.
The BOI is able to switch Visas, if of course there are sufficient reasons.
The BOI at One Bangkok Mall "in Bangkok" is handling this type of case.
The BOI is able to switch Visas, if of course there are sufficient reasons.
The BOI at One Bangkok Mall "in Bangkok" is handling this type of case.
Alireza *********
OPGian Rossi Yeah I guess I need to check there and Immigration to get more solid answers and Thai embassy at Lao.
Gian *******
@Alireza ********
yes mate, that's the only place you should consult, & that's the only place able to assist you on a new Visa under BOI.Dca *****
ALL local Thai Immigration Offices are going to give extra scrutiny to in–country Thai Visa and Extension of Stay applications for Iran Passports, because, along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, and Uganda passport holders, there are long–standing Thai Immigration guidelines to not even give Tourist Extension of Stay for these 6 countries' passports and deny such Tourist Extension Applications
Dca *****
Chonburi Province Immigration has the older List of 9 Countries for Tourist Extension of Stay Denials:
Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal, Togo, Nigeria, and Uganda
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Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal, Togo, Nigeria, and Uganda
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Alireza *********
OPWe already paid 1,900 baht and extended my brother for extra 30 days and he left the country with 20 days extra days left on his visa... idk what's this but the officer was helpful.
Kool *******
Why on earth do you want to be on a type B extension rather than the type O based on thai wife? You have a work permit already. If you lose your job you still have your type O extension. If you switch to a type B extension, and you lose your job your extension ends immediately. Companies here have been known to use that fact as pressure on you at work if you complain about anything. Stay on your type O. You have a work permit, so they don't need you to be on a type B legally.
Darren ******
Kool Breez I 100% agree. Its a no brainer.
Alireza *********
OPKool Breez I am planning to divorce my wife due to infidelity so I have to take measures beforehand otherwise I have to leave the country the same day.
Kool *******
@Alireza ********
okay. Then your plan works. You should be able to switch over without leaving, but check with immigration first. Is the company a BOI registered company? That can make a difference as to which immigration office you go to in Bangkok.Alireza *********
OPKool Breez Yes I do hold a BOI work permit this work and last job I worked on both BOIs
Dca *****
Whether it is Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, or elsewhere,
Not only will the Thai Embassies/Thai Consulates take additional processing time of several weeks, months, in addition to the regular Thai E–Visa processing time, but all the countries listed above need a visa beforehand for Iran Passports and getting their country's visa beforehand (no visa on arrival availability for Iran passports) is not a straightforward process and can take several weeks just for their visa, and then, afterwards, after entry into their country, still not enough time (stay permitted inside their country) for processing of any Thai E–Visa at the Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate outside Thailand
The trip to your local Thai Immigration Office inside Thailand for that 1 Year Extension of Stay based on Thai Wife is much easier, straightforward, and with more known outcomes and criteria/requirements than, potentially, a possible rejected or cancelled Thai E–Visa Application at the Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate while simultaneously also trying to figure out the visa and extension of stay criteria and requirements for another country
All this, just to switch to a different Thai Visa type because your Non–B Thai Employer doesn't want to do and fully provide all the Thai documents necessary for an in–country Non–B Visa issued by local Thai Immigration Office inside Thailand, where the Non–B Thai Employer now has control over their Non–B Visa/Business Employment Extension of Stay vs. you have control over your own Non–O Thai Wife/Thai Wife Extension of Stay
However, since you have a Multiple Re–Entry Permit on your current Thai Wife Extension of Stay, then a better question could be:
Can someone cancel a current Multiple Entry Re–Entry Permit (with that Multiple Re–Entry Permit based on a current Thai Wife Extension)??
Not only will the Thai Embassies/Thai Consulates take additional processing time of several weeks, months, in addition to the regular Thai E–Visa processing time, but all the countries listed above need a visa beforehand for Iran Passports and getting their country's visa beforehand (no visa on arrival availability for Iran passports) is not a straightforward process and can take several weeks just for their visa, and then, afterwards, after entry into their country, still not enough time (stay permitted inside their country) for processing of any Thai E–Visa at the Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate outside Thailand
The trip to your local Thai Immigration Office inside Thailand for that 1 Year Extension of Stay based on Thai Wife is much easier, straightforward, and with more known outcomes and criteria/requirements than, potentially, a possible rejected or cancelled Thai E–Visa Application at the Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate while simultaneously also trying to figure out the visa and extension of stay criteria and requirements for another country
All this, just to switch to a different Thai Visa type because your Non–B Thai Employer doesn't want to do and fully provide all the Thai documents necessary for an in–country Non–B Visa issued by local Thai Immigration Office inside Thailand, where the Non–B Thai Employer now has control over their Non–B Visa/Business Employment Extension of Stay vs. you have control over your own Non–O Thai Wife/Thai Wife Extension of Stay
However, since you have a Multiple Re–Entry Permit on your current Thai Wife Extension of Stay, then a better question could be:
Can someone cancel a current Multiple Entry Re–Entry Permit (with that Multiple Re–Entry Permit based on a current Thai Wife Extension)??
Alireza *********
OPDca Dca Last I checked Lao allows visa on arrival for Iranians .
Dca *****
@Alireza ********
Yes, Laos does have Lao Visa on Arrival for Iran Passports, a misunderstanding on my part, but, as you have seen the responses from a different Facebook Group, it will not be "a walk in the park" and my personal recommendation is that I would say: Get a Lao Visa beforehand from the Lao Embassy in Bangkok or the Lao Consulate in Khon Kaen before traveling to Laos
It will make it much easier for you!
And also, unfortunately, Iran Passports cannot get Lao eVisa from the Lao eVisa Website
Alireza *********
OPDca Dca Thanks will check always better to check with Lao embassy.
Alireza *********
OPDca Dca I am planning to divorce my wife due to infidelity so I have to take measures beforehand otherwise I have to leave the country the same day.
พี่ *****
No, don't have to exit to laos
Alireza *********
OPพี่ ทิม How? Legally you can convert it but they said it requires alot of work that people avoid it and ask you to leave.
พี่ *****
@Alireza ********
No. Either on a Non-ED visa, you can change to Non-B visa and Non-B visa either to Non-O.
Without to leave the country
I think, it makes more sense to give some time before your visa going to expire at least 90 days prior, to whatever you obtain non-o or b.
If i were you, stay on non-o visa. Easy and simple.
Most Employers does not understand the process and have their own "old-fashioned" way to leave country and apply outside of the country an Non-B visa, which is only holders for Tourists visa.
พี่ *****
@Alireza ********
and i would talk again to employer to help to provide documents to apply inside the country. It is not a lot of work because you on non O visa. As mentioned, to change visa attach STM11 paper and all documents from your employer. I don't see any difficulties but again, talk to immigration they should know exactly what to do.
Wish you best of luck. Keep going
พี่ *****
@Alireza ********
normally need to do apply outside through online system. I recommend KL in Malaysia. Through online system take a bit time all paper needs to be in pdf (less than 3-5 mb) combress a couple of times.
Otherwise, you stay on NonO another year but there is also requirements.
If you do outside country, you have to have all documents from employer and as mentioned probably do online system. Wait until you be back to work max 14 days
Hmm, i would not wait maybe try as much as possible to get at least something done.
Immigration can give you proper quidelines , at chamchuri or any
Alireza *********
OPพี่ ทิม If I divorce I have to report and cancel the visa same day at Samut Prakan immigration and leave ASAP which gives me no time to prepare and my company to give me documents... I am in very difficult situation Idk why Thai gov make it so hard to switch to Non-B from marriage visa when somone wnats to divorce. so you're saying that if I leave the country and wait until my visa expires that'd be difficult? I am entering on Non-B BOI company documents
พี่ *****
@Alireza ********
request the document at immigration STM.11 , this document is the type of change visa typeพี่ *****
@Alireza ********
easy ? Does not make sense to me, apparently not sure once you leave it may affect your workpermit as well and all the process may have to do from the start. Yes, also there might be additional paper required if you leave the country why cancel the visa and it must be stamped at immigration where the non o visa comes from. just like stamp out visa and divorce paper for confirm , or she write a paper attach id card.
I have heard, can not leave the country easily it must officially stamped on passport, it may affect future applications etc.
Best ask directly the nearest best immigration.
Alireza *********
OPพี่ ทิม Thanks I will check with immigration I am extra careful but my employer is saying it's easy if I leave to Lao and get a new Non-B so I will check with Bangkok immigration first. thanks.
พี่ *****
@Alireza ********
yes sure, better ask the nearest immigration office. I may mistaken as well but if you have workpermit BOI , so it easy to transfer from non-o to non-b. Because, if your current workpermit is not expired there is no need to leave the country.
Less paper work for Employers too and they just submit the documents on your expired day of the visa. It's possible to get it done/must at the same day.
Your employer should go there as well
Alireza *********
OPพี่ ทิม I am planning to divorce my wife due to infidelity so I have to take measures beforehand otherwise I have to leave the country the same day.
Can I go to Chamchur I have BOI work permit to ask these? or where should I go to make sure I understand the process .
Can I go to Chamchur I have BOI work permit to ask these? or where should I go to make sure I understand the process .
Paul ********************
Yes it would apply to you as you are applying for a different visa class and I would be pretty sure your Work permit will be invalidated as well if you cancel your O visa for marriage and try to reapply for B... I suspect you will need to start the WP process over again as well... As Work permit is tied to a visa or extension of stay.. Cancel one the other goes as well
Alireza *********
OPPaul Anthony McDermott So they say it's 3-4 days and I have to be there 4 weeks for backgroudn checks?
Paul ********************
@Alireza ********
if they say 4 weeks it's 4 weeks for background checks.. It is listed for Iran PP holders 👇Paul ********************
@Alireza ********
long stay visa it says "eg" ... A "B" is considered a long stay visa as its an annual extension of stay... Same as O visa...It's no different..it makes nothing easier...
Alireza *********
OPPaul Anthony McDermott This is Non-O I am applying for Non-B that a company approval letter and etc; makes thing easier that's why I am asking the info is all over the place and confusing and the emabassy sends automatic emails only.
Alireza *********
OPPaul Anthony McDermott Yeah my company will have to restart the process that's the pain but they'll help me out with going to Lao and re-applying again with a Non-B and coming back with 90 days + extending it with BOI + work permit 1 year visa.
John **********
Usually you can only change visas inside Thailand from a tourist type stamp to an actual visa. If your actually on an extension of stay in certain circumstances it's possible to change the reason for the extension but it requires the support of your employer and the documentation required for an in country Non-B is extensive compared to applying outside Thailand. If that's what your employer says you need to apply outside Thailand then that's what you need to do
Alireza *********
OP@John *********
Yeah it seems the system isn't made for converting and existing kind of make things esaier.
Lynnette *******
Thought your marriage visa is ok for working.
Paul ********************
Lynnette Munoz no... The only thing that allows you to work is a work permit.. Which is not a visa.. Immigration deal with visas, The Department of labor deal with work permits
Alireza *********
OPYeah that's the issue... work permit isn't a visa and visa is separate
Alireza *********
OPLynnette Munoz It is okay but I prefer to convert to Non-B and my company will pay and continue extending it vs I have to go to immigration and answers 1,000 of questions + 400k + it's an insult honestly.
Lance *******
Steven ***************
@Alireza ********
Unfortunately its not about you, its about the Country You're from, and its not about what you prefer, its about what Thailand and Thai immigration prefers. John Stanners has a very good point and you should consider it. With the Non-O extension you have more control over everything. With the B You're dependant on your employer. With staying with the Non-O if something happens and you lose the job you can stay in Thailand but with the B you're can not. I highly recommend you put your pride aside and consider the larger overall picture and stick with the Non-O extensions. Really overall easier and safer.Alireza *********
OPSteven L. Daugherty You don't know me sir. I am planning to divorce my wife due to infidelity so I have to take measures beforehand otherwise I have to leave the country the same day otherwise I'd not go this route.
Lynnette *******
@Alireza ********
I think you'll find many countries, USA and UK for example, have far harder entry requirements. I'd not let questions asked by Thai immigration make you feel insulted.Alireza *********
OPLynnette Munoz Yeah I've seen that but if you do hold a legal work permit you'll end up having a PR and long-term citizenship I have paid alto oftax over the years and I am doing this like it's my 1st time working in Thailand and there's no easy way around it... they should make it easier for high-skilled talent to get PR here.
John **********
@Alireza ********
if the only reason you are changing is the minor hassle of sticking 400k in the bank for 2 months and doing the paperwork for a Non-O extension I'd suggest you stick with the Non-O. Once you are on a Non-B your employer has control, on a Non-O you have control
Graham ******
@John *********
or his wife ;)
Martin *******
I'm surprised you could get a work permit without a non-B!
Paul ********************
Martin Baker you can get a work permit on any non imm visa with the exception of a retirement or student visa.. How ever many Immigration offices want you on an B visa rather than an O marriage for some reason
Alireza *********
OPPaul Anthony McDermott Yeah they don't like you to be married and dependent with Non-B you'll be paying shitton of tax without any benefits lol.
Paul ********************
@Alireza ********
tax has nothing to do with it... 🤦
Steve *******
Martin Baker Why? You can legally work and hold a work permit on a Non Imm O visa based on marriage
Martin *******
Steve Greir interesting. I never knew.
Paul *******
Martin Baker One reason why the marriage extension goes to Bangkok and takes 1 month for approval. ( from Jomtien).
Bob **********
You don’t have to wait if you leave without a re entry permit your extension is canceled
Alireza *********
OPBob D'Andrea I already have a multiple re-entry that's the problem
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